We are excited to announce the Library has Prusa 3D printers for patron use! Information about printing as well as our policy are below:
3D Printing Guidelines
- Patrons may request a file to be printed either in-person, by email to [email protected], or by filling out our Google form (the Google form is preferred).
- The library staff will do its best to create your requested object in the color you requested, but may need to make a reasonable change depending on supplies on hand and time limits.
- Time for prints is limited to library hours of operation.
- Patrons will be notified via email when their print job is ready to be picked up.
- Printed items will cost $0.25 per 15-minutes (1$ per hour). Payment is due upon pickup of item.
- Patrons have 5 days to pick up items before Library discards them.
Some Helpful Information
There are many free and easy to use websites and programs available to help you either download or create your own designs. Such examples include:
Files that print from our printers are GCODE files or sometimes BGCODE files. If you have a file that is in another format, it can be “sliced” or prepared in the PrusaSilcer program. Staff will be happy to do this for you, but PrusaSilcer will also be available on the Internet computers if you would like to try it yourself!
- We currently have two 3D Printers: the Prusa MK4 and the Prusa MK3s+. If you decide to find a premade file from a site such as printables or slice a new file yourself, the gcode file needs to be for the correct printer and filament. Ask us for help!
- We use primarily PLA filament and have several color options available such as green, grey, gold, purple, pink, red, blue, glow in the dark blue, and glow in the dark green.
- We’re more than happy to help you on your way with your 3D printing journey! Please contact us to set an appointment to come in if you want to learn more or design your own prints. Otherwise, just feel free to send us a link using the Google form.
3D Printing Policy
The Franklin Square Public Library offers 3D printing services in order to provide technological, educational, informational, and cultural enrichment for the community. Those having a valid Franklin Square library card are given first preference, with others as time permits.
Printing regulations
- Printing must be completed during the Library’s hours of operation.
- There will be a charge of $1 per hour of estimated print-time (in 15-minute increments). Costs may change as the price of filament changes.
- 3D print requests must be submitted to staff for approval.
- Only trained library staff will have hands-on access to the 3D printer.
- There is NO guarantee of anonymity. Submitted files will be observed by library staff and, quite possibly, by patrons utilizing the Library when the file is being printed.
- The library is not responsible for any projects that fail to print correctly.
- Children in grades 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Print jobs will be held for 5 days. After that the project will be discarded.
The Library’s 3D printers may only be utilized for lawful purposes. The public will not be permitted to use the Library’s 3D printer to create material that is:
- Prohibited by local, state or federal law;
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others;
- Obscene or otherwise inappropriate;
- In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printers may not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
The Library reserves the right to refuse a 3D print request. It is the responsibility of the patron to ensure that their printouts abide by terms of this Policy.
Adopted February 20, 2024, Revised February 24, 2025